You don't need to be an 'investor' to invest in Singletrack: 6 days left: 95% of target - Find out more
Plain wall paper and wallpaper on the ceiling preferably without removing the plaster.
Paper over it, life's too short.
I used a steamer (*don't overuse as it can impact plaster) and that made a big difference
Steam stripper
Get one where the water is a separate base rather than the bit you hold. You arms will thank you after a few hours. Like this:
[img] 
[/img]
I'd hire one unless you have a massive house. The one above is £10 for a day from HSS.
or just go buy a steamer from wickes, B&Q etc for 20-25 quid, hiring is just not worth it as all you seem to get is a bigger water tank. and by the time the smaller tank is empty you want a break anyway.
I normally score the paper with the edge of the scraper then wet with a damp sponge. Just keep doing different areas so the water soaks in.
pva solution brushed on seems to work well also. as above, don't let a steamer stay in one place too long unless you want to re skim the walls
http://www.toolstation.com/shop/Painting+Decorating/Wallpapering/Perforator/d150/sd3252/p63466
You need one of theses, runover wall a few times gently, then some warm water with washing up liqyuid in it and aply to wall, paper will now peel easy.
or live in a flat and let the woman above have a new washing machine and not connect the outflow to anything and then go to work, leave for a few hours and wait until neighbour comes home, and finds water pouring down walls, and wallpaper coming off quite well.
I normally just give it all a good wipe down with a very damp sponge and it mostly comes off nice and easy with a quick scrape.
Join your local Freecycle and get/ask for one there. I got mine like that and our local group always seems to have one on offer.
Cheers all - especially for the wicks steamer which had been most excellent.
Not sure sure I picked the best day to do it but that's 1/3 of two rooms done!
No 1 tip - don't use a steamer on a day like today.... 😀